Frequent Nightmares May Signal Lactose Intolerance: New Research Sheds Light on Sleep and Dietary Reactions
In today’s world, increasing attention is being paid to how our dietary habits influence sleep quality and overall health. Recent scientific studies conducted by researchers at MacEwan University in Canada have revealed a potential link between frequent nightmares and lactose intolerance. This extensive study, involving over a thousand participants, marks an important step toward understanding how nutritional factors can impact subconscious processes during sleep. The researchers conducted surveys among students, taking into account various factors such as age, gender, allergies, dietary preferences, culinary habits, and daily diet. The findings indicated a statistically significant correlation between consuming dairy products during the day and experiencing frequent nightmares at night. According to scientists, this connection is mediated by physiological reactions to lactose intolerance. Lead researcher Tore Nielsen and his team from multiple universities, including the University of British Columbia and Montreal, suggest that digestive discomfort caused by lactose intolerance, such as bloating, pain, and nausea, can influence sleep quality. These gastrointestinal issues induce micro-arousals during sleep, which, according to the team, can trigger nightmares and deteriorate overall sleep health. Lactose is a milk sugar that is normally broken down into glucose and galactose by the enzyme lactase. In infants, this ability is fully developed; however, in most adults, lactase production diminishes over time. As a result, many adults experience insufficient lactase activity, leading to fermentation of unprocessed lactose and related unpleasant sensations. This reaction is common in populations that lack an evolutionary adaptation for lifelong milk consumption, such as many northern Europeans. This genetic trait evolved approximately 7 to 10 thousand years ago in cold-climate regions where dairy was crucial for providing essential nutrients like proteins, fats, calcium, and vitamin D. Overall, the research opens new avenues for personalized health approaches, considering dietary habits and individual reactions. While lactose intolerance does not inevitably cause nightmares, the accompanying digestive discomfort can significantly impact sleep quality through frequent micro-arousals, ultimately leading to frightening dreams and emotional disturbances. Consequently, dietary recommendations and personalized strategies may play a vital role in improving overall sleep and quality of life.